Regional NOS centre inaugurated

CHANDIGARH, Nov 18: Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Lt Gen (Retd) BKN Chhibber today emphasised the need for reorienting focus on non-f...

CHANDIGARH, Nov 18: Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Lt Gen (Retd) BKN Chhibber today emphasised the need for reorienting focus on non-formal education, especially at the school level, to meet the target of education for all. Presiding over the inaugural function to mark the opening of the Regional Centre of the National Open School (NOS) at ICCSR Complex, Punjab University, he said that even after 50 years of Independence, the goal of universalisation of education could not be realised. Lauding the flexible approach of the open learning system he said that it was being increasingly looked upon as a potential for achieving the goal of education for all through adequate avenues.

Prof M.B. Menon, Chairman NOS, spoke about the concept of National Open School and Distance Education and its plans to expand its network in the country as well as abroad. He said that the regional centre would go a long way in providing educational opportunities for learners of UT and neighbouring states.

It would also help streamline and coordinate the activities of the State open schools and study centres in the region, he said. Talking about the rapid expansion of NOS programmes, he said that during the Ninth Five Year Plan, the number of regional centres would be increased from eight to 18. He disclosed that several vocational courses had been introduced in the curriculum to enable students to get employment. Vishnu Bhagwan, Secretary Education, Haryana expressed his concern over the low level investment by the governments in education.

UT Education Secretary Anuradha Gupta highlighted the need to impart quality education and adequate funding to achieve the objective of education for all in the country. The additional secretary Education, Punjab S.S Gill also spoke about the role of educational development.

Earlier, Regional Director, V.K Gaur while welcoming the chief guest and other dignatories said that opening of the centre would go a long way in ensuring effective monitoring of the study centres.